SpaceX has reported an unusual issue with its mission to retrieve astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Suni Williams began their mission in June, which was initially planned to last only eight days.
However, complications arose with the Boeing Starliner they were aboard as they neared the ISS.
The spacecraft suffered from five helium leaks, and its manoeuvring thrusters stopped functioning.
Since then, Wilmore and Williams have been stuck on the ISS, continuing their work while being away from their families.
An unexpected ally, Elon Musk, is now helping to return the astronauts home.
Although some expected NASA to resolve the situation, they have turned to Musk’s SpaceX for assistance.
SpaceX launched its Dragon capsule on Saturday, September 28, which includes space for Wilmore and Williams.
The capsule docked with the ISS on Sunday, September 29, successfully delivering NASA astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
However, there was a minor setback; the rocket’s upper stage had an unexpected issue.
SpaceX explained via their Twitter account: “After today’s successful launch of Crew-9, Falcon 9’s second stage was disposed in the ocean as planned, but experienced an off-nominal deorbit burn.
“As a result, the second stage safely landed in the ocean, but outside of the targeted area.
“We will resume launching after we better understand root cause.”
Wilmore and Williams are not expected to return until February 2025.
In a press conference from the ISS last month, Wilmore shared insights on their experience in space.
He stated: “It’s been quite an evolution over the last three months, we’ve been involved from the beginning through all the processes of assessing our spacecraft, Calypso.
“And it was trying at times. There were some tough times all the way through.
“You certainly, as the commander and the PLT (pilot) of your spacecraft, you don’t want to see it go off without you, but that’s where we wound up.”